 1705 South Saginaw Road
Midland, MI 48640
(989) 835-4041 (800) 782-4160
|
March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. MS damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves of the CNS, and can potentially injure the nerves as well. This damage causes reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common MS symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. Many experts estimate that 2.5 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with this disease, and most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 50. MS is not contagious and researchers continue to look for both a cause and a cure.
For those living with MS,the support of loved ones, care partners and organizations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) and the National MS Society (NMSS) are crucial to improving quality of life. To help increase awareness of this disease, Disability Network joins MSAA and NMSS in taking part in observing March as MS Awareness Month.
ESPN recently featured a story about Kayla Montgomery, who, despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, has become one of the best young distance runners in the country. Click the image above to view the video.
We encourage you to join us in spreading awareness about Multiple Sclerosis. Visit the MSAA and NMSS websites for information on how you can take an active role in promoting awareness.
MSAA provides a host of educational resources to the MS community including events and other programs, such as My MS Resource LocatorŪ, an online database that helps connect individuals with resources in their area, a toll-free Helpline staffed by experienced specialists with a social services background, and programs offering cooling equipment, MRI assistance and other services.
NMSS also offers an extensive variety of programs, services, resources and connection opportunities for people living with and affected by MS, including family members, caregivers and other members of their support systems. These resources can be accessed in person in your community, online, by phone and by mail.
|
Coming Soon! - A March Madness FUNdraising Event for DNMM
 Disability Network will be having a March Madness event when the NCAA Basketball tournament begins.
Details are still being worked out with regard to time and location. We will be sending out several email blasts over the next few days, so keep an eye out for information on what promises to be a fun event!
|
Piano Palooza 2015 a Success!
A community of 225 supporters came out Saturday, February 7, for DNMM's ninth annual Piano Palooza fundraiser at the Midland Country Club. The event included a candlelight dinner, raffles, a silent auction, and entertainment provided by local musicians.
 "We are indeed fortunate to have a wide network of supporters from throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region," said Executive Director David Emmel. "Through their generosity, a teenager with disabilities builds the necessary skills to transition into adulthood; a veteran with a disability returns to civilian life with peer support from other veterans; a person wishing to move out of a nursing home gains independence and a greater quality of life in their own home; and workplaces and communities become more accessible and inclusive."
 "Piano Palooza is a celebration of success,'" continued Emmel. "Tonight is a resounding success because of the efforts of our honorary chairs Michelle and Joe Fabiano and Christy and Jerry Pritchett as well as a committed group of volunteers." Several individual success stories were highlighted in a video featuring various consumers working with Disability Network to reach their own independent living goals. "The success of our independent living programs is achieved through the expertise of a dedicated staff and through strategic community partnerships with businesses, agencies, and individuals," said Emmel.
"Whether it be working with the local ESAs, ISDs, or community colleges and universities to foster successful transitions for youth after high school, working with the Veterans Administration, or the many nursing facilities throughout northern lower Michigan, positive working partnerships are essential for advancing our mission."
 Also featured at Piano Palooza were the talents of several local piano musicians. Matthew Conley, Val & Cynthia Lemen, David Valentine, George Widiger, Steve Najmy and Georgia Abbott each entertained guests for a half hour with a variety of styles and selections.
 "Playing in front of the adults doesn't make me nervous because I've been playing since I was four," said Matthew Conley, an 11-year-old at Adams Elementary. "I like this event too, especially since it supports people with disabilities."
|
Representative Payee: Providing Stability
In 2010, Donna was on the verge of despair. She had been living in a shelter with her daughter for six months. She was, to use her words, at ground zero and the instability and uncertainty surrounding her situation was difficult to bear.
|
| |
DNMM's Representative Payee
Gail Carter
|
Numerous discussions with case-workers eventually resulted in a referral to DNMM's Representative Payee program. From the beginning, Donna felt a sense of relief in that DNMM would be managing her finances.
"It was a load off," said Donna. "They were able to take one stress off my plate, which allowed me to focus on the other aspects of my life."
DNMM began working with Donna on building everyday living skills like how to save money. She soon approached Habitat for Humanity as a candidate for a home-build. Habitat soon approved her for a new home, citing her involvement with the representative payee program as one of the reasons she was approved.
Donna moved into her new home in August of 2013. Donna also credits DNMM staff with helping her during this transitional period. "Putting those living skills into practice - in the real world - that takes support," said Donna. "Gail helped build a home budget that worked for my daughter and me. Gail made things a lot less daunting."
A lot of the support Donna references was in the form of, as she says, "tough love." Donna describes Gail as a "stabilizing friend" who helped her realize she "could be independent, not reliant."
Within a few months, Donna found herself successfully balancing time with her daughter, a circle of friends, a church group, a support group while also teaching part time at the Midland ESA.
"Knowing how things used to be, it's hard to believe how stable life is now," said Donna. "I'm a survivor and so is my daughter. We moving forward together and with the skills and support I've received from Disability Network, I know we'll never see ground zero again."
Return to Top
|
Impacting Independence
For several years now, DNMM has produced videos highlighting the successes of individuals who have participated in the S.T.A.G.E.S transition program. This year, we wanted to present a broader approach, providing a clearer picture of the various programs and services available at DNMM.
We'd like to thank AMPM, Inc. and Image Works for their efforts in helping put the video together. And, certainly, we thank each of the featured consumers for giving their time to share their stories with us.
|
Employability Summit Promotes Workplace Diversity
 On Tuesday, February 24, Disability Network of Mid-Michigan welcomed representatives from 25 area businesses and agencies to an employability summit at Dow Diamond. The summit promoted best business practices that ensure a highly-skilled and diversified workforce.
David Mulder, Meijer of Lansing's Director of Distribution, delivered a keynote address highlighting Meijer's diversification efforts. Afterward, guests were able to attend several breakout sessions on various topics related to disability employment and accommodation. Closing remarks were delivered by Gene Bommarito of Michigan Rehabilitation Services.
Breakout session topics included:
- Diversity & Inclusion Policy Planning and Development
- Assistive Technology for the Workplace
- Online Resources for Recruitment of Persons with Disabilities
- Website Accessibility for the Workplace
- Project SEARCH
 "I made excellent connections with folks regarding helping workers with disabilities find jobs," said Ned Stoller of Disability Works Tools, Inc. "My specialty is Assistive Technology on the job site, so I found the summit to be quite helpful."
|
|
Community Feedback: Questions of the Month
We need your input! Here's an easy way for your voice to be heard!
As part of our on-going efforts to make our communities accessible, we're asking our readers questions each month. We'll use your answers, your suggestions, and your opinions as a basis for determining what we can do, in terms of services and advocacy, to build fully inclusive communities.
March 2015 Question:
During Michigan's Winter months, what are the biggest obstacles you face with regard to living independently? What resources do you make use of to overcome those obstacles?
Click here to submit your answer(s) to the question. Your responses will be anonymous and we will not share your name or email information with any third party.
|
|
STATEMENT OF ACCESSIBILITY
DNMM advocates for the removal of barriers to independence and full inclusion of people with disabilities throughout the Mid-Michigan area. DNMM pledges to ensure accessibility. Each year, DNMM conducts a review of its own architectural, environmental, attitudinal, employment, communication, transportation, and other barriers that may exist which prohibit full access to our services.
If you have any issues of concern regarding the accessibility of DNMM services and facilities, we encourage you to share that information with us.
Please send your concerns or suggestions to:
Executive Director
Disability Network of Mid-Michigan
1705 S. Saginaw Road
Midland, MI 48640
|
|
|
|
Disability Network of Mid-Michigan is a CARF - Accredited, United Way non-profit agency serving:
Alcona, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Iosco, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon, and Saginaw counties.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Board of Directors
Officers:
Harry Leaver
- President
Teresa Oliver
- Vice President
Andrea Bridgewater - Secretary
Members at Large:
Dr. Bill Bateman
Frank Champagne
Dr. Barbara Gibson
Mary Laforet
June Price
Jerry Pritchett
Tom Provoast
Mary Reif
Tim Troy
Executive Director:
|
|
"There are very few people, even with the most severe disabilities, who cannot take control of their own lives. And there is no life without taking risks."
-Ed Roberts
Founder of the Independent Living Movement
|
|
Disability Network of
Mid-Michigan celebrates
25 years of promoting and encouraging independence for all people with disabilities.
|
|
| | Click to download our Core Services Brochure |
|
|
| |
Click to download the Michigan AT Loan Fund Brochure
|
|
 | |
Bridging the Gap Between Job Seekers with Disabilities & Employers Looking to Hire
|
|
| |
|
